THE NSW Minns government, St George Community Housing and Housing Australia have delivered a $32 million social housing development in southern Sydney’s Riverwood, which will house around 120 people.
The newly completed complex has 50 new social housing units for people facing housing insecurity, women and children escaping domestic violence, as well as women over the age of 55.
There is a mix of one- and two-bedroom homes, in addition to one affordable housing unit. It features a bike storage room, on-site parking and a landscaped communal area with barbecues.
The homes are a short walk from Riverwood train station and Riverwood Primary School.
A minimum 7-star NatHERS rating ensures energy efficiency and aims to keep tenants’ electricity bills low.
“The scale of the challenge to resolve the housing crisis across the state is massive and the need for more social and affordable homes has never been greater,” NSW Minister for Housing and Homelessness, Rose Jackson said.
“This project demonstrates the importance of successful collaboration between multiple levels of government to tackle the housing crisis.”
There are more than 57,000 families and individuals currently on the social housing waiting list in NSW. In the private rental market, rents in Sydney continue to grow and have now hit a record high of $775 per week, according to Domain.
Federal Minister for Housing, Clare O’Neil said more homes means “shorter rental queues and cheaper rents, and more options for first home buyers to get their foot in the door”.
Acting group CEO of St George Community Housing, Joe Achmar said, “By working closely with different tiers of government, we’ve been able to create sustainable, high-quality housing that will make a meaningful difference in people’s lives”.
